You are here

Excess body fat is a risk for cancer

Excess body fat increases the risk for 13 different types of cancer, according to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers reviewed cancer diagnoses from 2014 and assessed links between cancer rates and overweight and obesity. Overweight and obesity-related cancer rates increased between 2005 and 2014 and accounted for 40 percent of cancer diagnoses that year. These cancer types include postmenopausal breast, stomach, liver, and ovarian cancers. The authors call for treatments and interventions, such as exercise and a healthful diet, which address both rising cancer and obesity rates.